Suit Settlement Clears Group Home

January 20, 1995|By Darlene Gavron Stevens.

Dolton — Aunt Martha's Youth Service Center and the Village of Dolton on Thursday ended a monthlong standoff over a controversial group home for abused and neglected boys by settling a federal discrimination lawsuit.

In the agreement presented to U.S. District Court Judge Suzanne Conlon, the village will grant the Matteson-based child welfare agency the occupancy permit it had sought since last summer. In turn, Aunt Martha's will comply with Dolton building codes, including installing a $20,000 sprinkler system, and meet with community representatives at least once every three months to discuss concerns.

The permit is expected to be issued Friday and eight boys ages 12 to 14 will be gradually moved into the home, according to Jerry Garvey, assistant to Aunt Martha's executive director.

Both sides lauded the settlement.

"Everybody's happy," said Dolton Village Administrator Ed Handzel.

The glowing comments were a far cry from the tone of last year's strained negotiations, which broke down when Aunt Martha's decided to open the home without a permit Dec. 22. Dolton officials said the agency was violating the law and the agency countered that it was the village that was breaking the law by denying the home the necessary inspection.